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Tennis: Close but no cigar again for Tsitsipas, but he hopes for better days ahead

Stefanos Tsitsipas has learnt the hard way over the last two months that Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal will take some shifting from the top of the men's game.

Football: Alaba quality bails out Austria but raises questions about his best role

A moment of world-class quality from David Alaba earned Austria the breakthrough they had toiled so hard to find against North Macedonia on Sunday, sending Franco Foda’s side on their way to a first-ever European Championship win.

Football: Dutch team shocked by Eriksen collapse, coach De Boer says

The Netherlands team and staff were shocked by the collapse of Denmark playmaker Christian Eriksen on Saturday, but were ready to take on Ukraine in their Euro 2020 opener on Sunday, Dutch coach Frank de Boer said shortly before kickoff.

Football: Fan in 'serious condition' after fall from stands at Wembley

LONDON: A fan was taken to hospital in serious condition after falling from the stands during England's 1-0 victory over Croatia in their Group D European Championship match at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. A spokesperson for Wembley Stadium said the supporter fell from the stands just after the ...

Rugby-Saracens near Premiership return with 60-0 win in playoff first leg

REUTERS: Former Premiership champions Saracens crushed Ealing Trailfinders 60-0 in the first leg of the second tier Championship playoff final on Sunday to put one foot back in the top flight. Saracens, four-times Premiership champions and three-times European Cup winners in the last five ...

Football: Luis Enrique urges all Spain players to be leaders against Sweden

Spain coach Luis Enrique believes his young side do not need lionheart figures for inspiration and said their strength is in their group mentality as they prepare to kick off their Euro 2020 campaign against Sweden on Monday.

Football: Evergreen Pandev scores North Macedonia’s first major tournament goal

Goran Pandev scored North Macedonia’s first major tournament goal in their opening Euro 2020 game against Austria on Sunday (Jun 13), becoming the second-oldest scorer in European Championship history.

Tennis: Djokovic beats Tsitsipas to win French Open title

Novak Djokovic fought back from two sets down to beat Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-7(6) 2-6 6-3 6-2 6-4 to win the French Open title for the second time on Sunday (Jun 13).

Caldwell wins maiden European Tour title at Scandinavian Mixed event

REUTERS: Northern Irishman Jonathan Caldwell clinched a one-shot victory at the death on Sunday to lift the Scandinavian Mixed event trophy in Gothenburg, his maiden title on the European Tour. Caldwell, 37, was three shots off the lead before the final round and he carded an impressive 64 ...

Football: Phillips the biggest plus as England get the job done

LONDON: England did enough to beat a disappointing Croatia team in their opening Euro 2020 game on Sunday with the biggest plus being the performance of central midfielder Kalvin Phillips. The three points put England in a strong position in Group D ahead of Friday's match against Scotland, also ...

Cycling: Pogacar warms up for Tour de France with home victory

Tadej Pogacar warmed up for the defence of his Tour de France title by winning the Tour of Slovenia on Sunday as German Phil Bauhaus won the fifth and final stage into Novo Mesto.

Arnautovic on the bench for Austria, Pandev leads North Macedonia

BUCHAREST: Austria coach Franco Foda left striker Marko Arnautovic on the bench for their Euro 2020 Group C opener against North Macedonia on Sunday, with the forward having missed some of their pre-tournament preparation through injury. Sasa Kalajdzic will be their lone forward as the ...

Football: Sterling gives England opening win over Croatia

LONDON: Raheem Sterling finally found his tournament touch when his 61st-minute goal gave England a deserved 1-0 win over Croatia at Wembley on Sunday (Jun 13) as they began a European Championship with a victory for the first time in nine attempts. Sterling, something of a surprise starter after ...

Football: Czechs eager to snap decade-long winless run against Scotland

The Czech Republic will be eager to end a winless run stretching back to 2011 against Scotland when they take on Steve Clarke's side in their Euro 2020 opener on Monday, coach Jaroslav Silhavy said.

G7 nations say they support Japan 2020 Olympics

CARBIS BAY, England: The Group of Seven wealthy nations said they supported the holding of the Tokyo Olympics this year, a communique issued on Sunday after a leaders' summit in Cornwall. "We reiterate our support for the holding of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 in a safe and ...

Football: Cheers drown out boos as England take the knee at Wembley

Cheers and applause quickly drowned out some boos as England players kneeled on Sunday in an anti-racism gesture at kick-off against Croatia in their Euro 2020 opener at Wembley.

Tennis-French Open organisers defend Osaka handling, say 'can do better' on mental health

PARIS: French Open organisers defended their handling of the Naomi Osaka situation on Sunday but accepted that the governing bodies need to do better on mental health issues following the Japanese player's exit from the Grand Slam over her media boycott. Osaka announced in the build-up to the ...

Soccer-Swedes pay tribute to Eriksen ahead of Spain clash

SEVILLE, Spain: Sweden captain Sebastian Larsson has sent his team's best wishes to Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen following his collapse during the match against Finland in their Euro 2020 opener in Copenhagen on Saturday. Sweden had just arrived in Seville for their first group game ...

Tennis: French Open organisers defend Osaka handling, say 'can do better' on mental health

PARIS: French Open organisers defended their handling of the Naomi Osaka situation on Sunday (Jun 13) but accepted that the governing bodies need to do better on mental health issues following the Japanese player's exit from the Grand Slam over her media boycott. Osaka announced in the build-up to ...

Soccer-Czech Republic decide not to take a knee at Euros

REUTERS: The Czech Republic team will not take a knee as an anti-racism gesture before the kick-off of their European Championship matches, they said on Sunday. Instead, the team will gesture to the 'UEFA Respect' inscription on the left sleeve of their jerseys, as they did during their World ...

Soccer-Former internationals criticise UEFA after Eriksen's collapse

COPENHAGEN: Former Danish internationals Peter Schmeichel and Michael Laudrup have harshly criticised governing body UEFA over their handling of the collapse of Christian Eriksen during Denmark's Euro 2020 opener against Finland on Saturday. Eriksen collapsed just before halftime and was taken ...

Soccer-England leave out Rashford for opener with Croatia

LONDON: England manager Gareth Southgate left striker Marcus Rashford on the bench for his team's Group D opener against Croatia at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. Rashford's Manchester United team mate Luke Shaw was also omitted, with Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker named as the two full-backs ...

Football: Fabrice Muamba, who collapsed with cardiac arrest in 2012, reflects on Eriksen situation

Fabrice Muamba has spoken about how watching Christian Eriksen receive life-saving treatment at Euro 2020 brought back emotional memories of his own cardiac arrest as a doctor warned the Dane was unlikely to play again.

Cricket-New Zealand thump England in second test to win series 1-0

BIRMINGHAM, England: New Zealand crushed hosts England by eight wickets in the second and final test on Sunday to seal a 1-0 series victory after chasing down a target of 38 runs on the fourth day at Edgbaston. The result meant New Zealand, who thoroughly outplayed the hosts in the match ...

Athletics-After remarkable recovery, Bromell keeps the faith at US Olympic trials

REUTERS: Nearly five years since he was carted off the track at the Rio Games with a torn Achilles, Trayvon Bromell attributes his remarkable comeback to one thing: An act of God. The devoutly religious sprinter has endured a litany of injuries on and off the track in his 25 years: breaking ...

Soccer-Portugal's Cancelo out of Euros due to COVID, replaced by Dalot

Portugal defender Joao Cancelo has been ruled out of Euro 2020 after testing positive for COVID-19 and will be replaced by Diogo Dalot ahead of their tournament opener against Hungary on Tuesday, the European champions said on Sunday.

Swimming: Australia's McKeown smashes women's 100m backstroke world record

Teenager Kaylee McKeown smashed the women's 100m backstroke world record Sunday, touching in 57.45sec at the Australian Olympic trials in Adelaide, dedicating it to her father who died last year.

Football: Eriksen 'stable' after Euro 2020 collapse, says Danish FA

Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen remained in hospital but is in a "stable" condition after collapsing in his country's Euro 2020 game against Finland on Saturday, the Danish Football Union (DBU) said on Sunday.

Soccer-Belgium’s Castagne to undergo surgery on fractured eye socket

BRUSSELS: Belgium’s Timothy Castagne needs to have surgery on a double fracture of his eye socket and will play no further part in the European Championship, the Belgian football association said on Sunday. The defender suffered the injury during a heavy mid-air collision with Daler Kuzyaev in ...

Soccer-Eriksen had cardiac arrest but test results are normal, Danish team doctor says

COPENHAGEN: Denmark's Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest when he collapsed during his side's Euro 2020 opening match against Finland, his team's doctor confirmed on Sunday, but the reason remained unclear. "He was gone; we did cardiac resuscitation, it was a cardiac arrest. We got him ...

Soccer-Pukki says Denmark game among most difficult of career after Eriksen scare

REUTERS: Finland striker Teemu Pukki said their Euro 2020 opener against Denmark on Saturday was one of the most difficult games of his career after Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed and required emergency medical treatment on the pitch. Inter Milan playmaker Eriksen collapsed ...

Soccer-Son shows Eriksen support as South Korea secure top spot

HONG KONG: Son Heung-min sent a message of support to his former Tottenham Hotspur teammate Christian Eriksen after scoring the goal that guaranteed South Korea top spot in their qualifying group for the 2022 World Cup with a 2-1 win over Lebanon on Sunday. Son scored from the penalty spot in ...

Cricket-Brathwaite hails Seales in wake of South Africa defeat

REUTERS: West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite had very few positives to draw on from a heavy innings defeat in the first test against South Africa in St Lucia but singled out teenage fast bowler Jayden Seales for special praise. The 19-year-old had played only one first-class match before the ...

Biden reaffirms support for Tokyo Olympics to Japan's Suga

US President Joe Biden reaffirmed his support for the Tokyo Olympics at a meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Saturday (Jun 12), highlighting the necessity of imposing public health measures ensuring the safety of those involved. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, which were ...

Triathlon-Denmark's Pedersen cruises to victory in Huatulco

REUTERS: Denmark's Alberte Kjaer Pedersen produced a superb display on Saturday to secure her maiden World Triathlon Cup gold medal in Huatulco, Mexico, in the final event for women during the Olympic qualifying period. Pedersen clocked an overall time of 1:00:24 to finish ahead of American ...

Soccer-Uruguay's Abreu retires after representing 31 clubs

Former Uruguay international striker Sebastian Abreu has retired from the game at the age of 44, having represented 31 different clubs since making his senior debut in 1994-95.

Rugby-Timani returns from exile to Australia squad for France test series

SYDNEY: Lock Sitaleki Timani returned to the Wallabies set-up after eight years in self-imposed exile as Australia coach Dave Rennie named a bumper 38-man squad for next month's three-test series against France on Sunday. Rennie named 11 uncapped players in his squad, which was enlarged to ...

Soccer-Levy says he will do what is right for Spurs amid Kane speculation

REUTERS: Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy said he shares the frustration of Harry Kane over their lack of titles but will do what is right for the club in the transfer market, amid media speculation that the talismanic striker wants to leave. British media have reported that Kane, who ...

Football: Eriksen's former cardiologist says he had no history of heart concerns

Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen, who was hospitalised after collapsing during his side's Euro 2020 opener against Finland on Saturday, had no prior heart issues during his time with Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, his former cardiologist said.

Soccer-English FA implore fans not to boo players who 'take a knee'

REUTERS: The Football Association have issued a statement asking England fans to respect the right of players to "take a knee" as a protest against racial injustice, and not boo them before matches at the European Championship. England players were booed by some fans before two recent ...

‘I owe everything to my mum and dad’: A Singaporean fencer makes history and keeps an Olympics promise

In the first of a series of profiles of TeamSG competitors who have qualified for next month's Olympic Games, CNA speaks to a fencer who made history for Singapore at the age of 20.

Analysis: Top-ranked Belgium show their potential with classy display

ST PETERSBURG, Russia: Being top of the FIFA world rankings meant Belgium were always going to be among the European Championship favourites but Saturday’s comfortable 3-0 win over Russia sent out a strong reminder of their potential. Although it was not an overwhelming performance, it ...

Soccer-Denmark's Eriksen had cardiac massage on pitch, was able to speak before going to hospital -team doctor

COPENHAGEN: Denmark's Christian Eriksen received life-saving cardiac massage treatment on the pitch after collapsing on Saturday in his side's Euro 2020 opening match with Finland but was able to speak before being taken to hospital, team doctor Morten Boesen said. Eriksen was surrounded by ...

Football: Belgium beat Russia in comfortable start to Euro 2020

Belgium eased to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Russia on Saturday with two goals from Romelu Lukaku and one from Thomas Meunier to confirm their status among the European Championship favourites.

Football: Fans told to 'respect' England players over kneeling row

The Football Association urged fans to "respect the wishes" of England's players when they take the knee before Sunday's Euro 2020 clash with Croatia amid a simmering row over the gesture.

Analysis-Soccer-Denmark can hold heads high despite Finland defeat

COPENHAGEN: In any other circumstances, Finland’s 1-0 victory over Denmark in their first major tournament appearance would have been an underdog story to treasure and celebrate. But after Denmark's Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch as halftime approached on Saturday, it was the Danish ...

Football: Finland snatch Euro win over Denmark after Eriksen collapse drama

Finland beat Denmark 1-0 in their opening match of Euro 2020 which was overshadowed by Christian Eriksen collapsing and having to be revived on the field by medics.

Soccer-Debutants Finland beat Denmark but game overshadowed by Eriksen collapse

COPENHAGEN -Finland claimed a shock 1-0 Euro 2020 victory over Denmark in their first major tournament appearance on Saturday after the match had been suspended when Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen required emergency medical treatment on the pitch. The 29-year-old midfielder Eriksen collapsed ...

Cricket-England batting collapse leaves New Zealand in driving seat in second test

England lost nine wickets in their second innings on day three in a dramatic batting collapse to put New Zealand on the verge of victory in the second and final test at Edgbaston on Saturday.

Football: Spurs chairman Levy warns Kane over exit talk

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has warned Harry Kane he will put the club's interests first as the England striker attempts to force a move away from the Premier League club.

Tennis-France's Mahut and Herbert clinch another French Open doubles title

REUTERS: Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut became the first French pair to win their home Grand Slam twice when they defeated Kazakhs Alexander Bublik and Andrey Golubev 4-6 7-6(1) 6-4 in the men's doubles final at Roland Garros on Saturday. Herbert and Mahut, who have won all four ...

Reactions to collapse of Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen

REUTERS: Quotes on Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen, who is in stable condition in hospital after collapsing on the pitch during his team's European Championship match against Finland on Saturday. "Christian Eriksen is awake and his condition is stable. The thoughts of Finland's men's ...

Denmark v Finland to resume after Eriksen collapse: Danish FA

COPENHAGEN: The Euro 2020 match between Denmark and Finland will resume at 1830 GMT (2.30am Singapore time), the Danish Football Union said on Saturday (Jun 12). The match was suspended after Christian Eriksen collapsed towards the end of the first half and had to receive medical treatment on the ...

Tennis-My body said 'No', says French Open runner-up Pavlyuchenkova

PARIS: Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova came close to claiming a maiden Grand Slam title in her 52nd appearance in the main draw of a major, but after Saturday's French Open final she said she was ultimately betrayed by her own body. She had her left leg wrapped in tape in the second set, and the ...

Cricket-S.Africa seal innings win as Rabada rips through Windies

South Africa's fast bowler Kagiso Rabada took five wickets as they cruised to victory over West Indies by an innings and 63 runs before lunch on day three of the first test in Saint Lucia on Saturday.

Football: Ukraine approach Euro opener versus Dutch with respect, says manager

ST PETERSBURG, Russia: Ukraine manager Andriy Shevchenko said on Saturday (Jun 12) his team would try to strike the right balance between attack and defence in their opening Euro 2020 match against a dynamic Netherlands side whose talent needed to be respected. "They show good results on the ...

Soccer-Denmark's Eriksen given CPR during Euro 2020 match

Copenhagen: Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed while playing and was given CPR by medics during his side's Euro 2020 soccer match with Finland on Saturday, and the game has been suspended. A Reuters photographer at the game saw Eriksen raise his hand as he was carried from the ...

Football: Denmark's Christian Eriksen 'awake' in hospital after collapse in Euro 2020 game

COPENHAGEN: Denmark star Christian Eriksen was awake in hospital, the Danish Football Union said on Saturday, after he collapsed on the pitch during the Euro 2020 game against Finland in Copenhagen. "Christian Eriksen is awake and is undergoing further tests" at the hospital, the Danish federation ...

Soccer-Reaching every final a tall order for Croatia, says Modric

LONDON: Croatia punched above their weight to finish as the 2018 World Cup runners-up and should not be expected to go all the way in every tournament, captain Luka Modric said ahead of their Euro 2020 Group D opener against England on Sunday. The Croatians sent shockwaves around the world ...

Football: Wales boss Page praises gritty team as he eyes Turkey win

Manager Rob Page praised the character of his players after Wales salvaged a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in their European Championship opener in Baku on Saturday, leaving Group A wide open after the first round of matches.

Football: England home games 'unfair' says Croatia's Modric

Croatia captain Luka Modric claims England have been given an unfair advantage in Euro 2020 after all three of their group games were scheduled for Wembley.

Euros format gives Welsh and Swiss comfort despite draw

BAKU: Switzerland's 1-1 draw with Wales in their Group A game in Baku on Saturday highlighted once again the weakness in UEFA's 24-team format for the European Championship. Both teams left the field after a disappointing spectacle relatively content with the point gained - although the Welsh ...

Football: Wijnaldum relieved to seal PSG move in time for start of Euro 2020

Georginio Wijnaldum says he opted to sign for Paris Saint-Germain instead of Barcelona because the French club were quicker to make their move with the midfielder eager to sort out his future before starting Euro 2020 with the Netherlands.

Copa America: 12 Covid cases among Venezuela players, staff

Twelve people from the Venezuelan national football team, including players and staff, have tested positive for Covid-19, officials said Saturday, a day before they play the opening match of the Copa America against hosts Brazil.

Tennis: Krejcikova wins French Open, dedicates victory to Novotna

Barbora Krejcikova won her maiden Grand Slam singles title at the French Open on Saturday, beating Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to become the first Czech woman in 40 years to conquer Roland Garros.

Football: Moore grabs point for Wales in Euro 2020 opener with Switzerland

A header from towering Kieffer Moore claimed a point for Wales in a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in Baku on Saturday to start both teams' Euro 2020 campaigns.

Tennis-Unseeded Krejcikova wins maiden Grand Slam title in Paris

PARIS :Unseeded Czech Barbora Krejcikova completed a remarkable transition from a doubles specialist to a Grand Slam singles champion on Saturday by conquering Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the final of the French Open.

Soccer-Moore snatches point for Wales against wasteful Swiss

Striker Kieffer Moore scored a headed equaliser from a rare chance as surprise 2016 semi-finalists Wales snatched a 1-1 draw against wasteful Switzerland in their European Championship Group A clash at the Baku Olympic Stadium on Saturday.

Tennis: After toppling Nadal, Djokovic hopes to be ready for Tsitsipas

After dethroning 'king of clay' Rafa Nadal at the French Open, Novak Djokovic will next face a first-time Grand Slam finalist in Stefanos Tsitsipas as the world number one bids to become the first man in the open era to win all four majors at least twice.

Football: Moyes rewarded with new three-year contract at West Ham

West Ham United manager David Moyes has signed a new three-year contract after guiding the London side to a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League, the club announced on Saturday.

Soccer-Gilmour could be Scotland's secret weapon against Czechs

LONDON: Scotland manager Steve Clarke said he had "selection headaches all over the pitch" ahead of their Euro 2020 opener against Czech Republic on Monday and one player likely to be uppermost in his thoughts is 20-year-old Billy Gilmour. Clarke has led his team to their first major ...

Perfect start for Mancini's Italy in Euro 2020 quest

ROME: Italy capped a perfect night in the Stadio Olimpico with a Euro 2020 opening win over Turkey but coach Roberto Mancini warned that the road was long between Rome and Wembley. A 28-match unbeaten run has put Mancini two games short of Italy's two-time world Cup winning coach Vittorio Pozzo's ...

Soccer-Poland set out to break opening-match curse at Euros against Slovaks

ST PETERSBURG: Poland will be hoping to improve on their poor record in opening matches at major tournaments when they take on minnows Slovakia in St. Petersburg on Monday, with a win crucial for both sides ahead of their matches against group favourites Spain. Slovakia defender Milan Skriniar ...

Football: 'Excited' Moyes signs new contract with West Ham

David Moyes has been rewarded for guiding West Ham to sixth place in the Premier League with a new three year contract and says he is "really excited by the ambition" at the club.

Olympics: Reigning 400m champion Horton misses Australia team for Tokyo

ADELAIDE: Reigning Olympic champion Mack Horton was the major casualty on day one of the Australian Olympic team swimming trials as he fell just short of qualifying in a scintillating 400 metres freestyle final. Horton, who is widely known also for his strong anti-doping stance, was edged out on a ...

Soccer-Ramsey starts for Wales, Shaqiri, Embolo add speed for Swiss

REUTERS: Following are the teams for the European Championship Group B match between Wales and Switzerland in Baku on Saturday. Gareth Bale, Wales' all-time leading goal scorer with 33 from 92 games, is captaining the team in their tournament opener and looking to end an 11-match goalless run ...

Soccer-Mancini's calls pay off as 'perfect' Italy make Euro 2020 statement

ROME: Roberto Mancini might be laughing now, but the Italy coach will not find it so easy to play down his team’s chances of winning Euro 2020 if they continue like they started. The Azzurri put in a dominant, swashbuckling display as they flattened Turkey 3-0 in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on ...

Olympics-Goalkeeper Bardsley pulls out of Team GB women's squad due to injury

REUTERS: England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley has withdrawn from Britain's women's soccer squad for the Tokyo Olympics due to an injury she picked up last month, Team GB said on Saturday. Bardsley was among the two goalkeepers named in coach Hege Riise's 18-member squad for the Tokyo Games. The ...

Cricket-ECB to review players' social media after Robinson's racist, sexist posts

REUTERS: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will review players' social media to address past issues and remind them of their responsibilities, the board said on Saturday, after Ollie Robinson's old sexist and racist tweets came to light last week. The ECB suspended fast bowler Robinson ...

Tennis: French Open title beckons for late bloomers Pavlyuchenkova, Krejcikova

PARIS: Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Barbora Krejcikova, two of the most unlikely Grand Slam finalists of the modern era, meet in Saturday's (Jun 12) French Open title match at the conclusion of a shock-heavy tournament. World number 32 Pavlyuchenkova has reached this stage for the first time at ...

Olympics-Swimming Australia to set up all-female panel to address issues after Groves' complaint

REUTERS: Swimming Australia (SA) will set up an all-female independent panel to investigate issues related to the experience of women and girls in the sport following Madeline Groves' complaint of "misogynistic perverts", the governing body said on Saturday. Twice Olympic silver medallist ...

Rugby-Crusaders thrash Rebels but come up short of points target

SYDNEY: Winger Sevu Reece scored a hat-trick as the Canterbury Crusaders thrashed the Melbourne Rebels 52-26 on Saturday but the unbeaten New Zealanders still look like missing out on the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman final. The Super Rugby Aotearoa champions needed to earn a bonus point and beat ...

Soccer-England's performance at Euros can unite people: Southgate

REUTERS: England's performance at the European Championship can help in uniting the country, manager Gareth Southgate said ahead of Sunday's opening game against Croatia. England, semi-finalists at the 2018 World Cup, are deemed one of the favourites to win the European showpiece but their ...

Olympics-China's Su runs 100m in 9.98 seconds in Tokyo trials

REUTERS: Su Bingtian has confirmed his strong form by clocking 9.98 seconds to win the 100 metres at China's national athletics trials for the Tokyo Olympics in Shaoxing, local media reported. The 31-year-old, the first Asian-born athlete to go under 10 seconds in the blue-riband sprint, ran ...

Soccer-Italy's Chiellini, Bonucci have great charisma: Spinazzola

ROME: Italy left back Leonardo Spinazzola said he benefited from the "charismatic" presence of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci in central defence as the Azzuri stormed to a commanding 3-0 win over Turkey in Friday's European Championship opener. After a goalless first half, a Merih ...

'Life goes on, it's just tennis,' says Nadal after French Open reign ends

PARIS: Rafael Nadal shrugged off his epic loss to Novak Djokovic at the French Open insisting "life goes on" as the 13-time champion suffered just his third ever defeat in 108 matches in Paris over 16 years. In their 58th career clash, world number one Djokovic triumphed 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 ...

Tennis: I'll remember this forever, says Djokovic after toppling Nadal in Paris

PARIS: World number one Novak Djokovic said his win over Rafa Nadal in Friday's epic French Open semi-final was one of the top three matches he had played and he would remember it forever. The 34-year-old Serb lost the opening five games but hit back in magnificent fashion to win 3-6 6-3 7-6(4) 6 ...

Golf-Koepka, in a US Open state of mind, misses Palmetto cut

REUTERS: Brooks Koepka may not have had the ideal tune-up for next week's U.S. Open but the four-times major champion said on Friday his missed cut at the Palmetto Championship at Congaree is more to do with a lack of focus than the state of his game. World number eight Koepka, in his first ...

Golf: Mickelson chases elusive US Open win as Bryson seeks repeat

Phil Mickelson will try to complete a career Grand Slam on his hometown course while long-driving Bryson DeChambeau defends his first major title in next week's US Open.

Football: Singapore lose 3-0 to Saudi Arabia in World Cup qualifier

SINGAPORE: Singapore fell to a third straight loss in its second round World Cup qualifying campaign on Saturday (Jun 12) with a 3-0 defeat by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. With this defeat, Singapore have conceded 12 goals in three matches in Group D since the resumption of its joint qualification ...

Tennis-Nadal concedes best player won after losing to Djokovic in Paris

PARIS: Rafael Nadal was his usual gracious self despite suffering his first defeat at Roland Garros since 2015 as he went out to world number one Novak Djokovic in the the French Open semi-finals on Friday, saying his opponent had deserved his victory. It was only 13-time champion Nadal's ...

Football: Turkey's players, coach apologise for poor showing in Euro 2020 loss

ROME: Turkey's players and coach Senol Gunes apologised for a poor performance after the team were soundly beaten 3-0 by Italy in the opening game of Euro 2020 at the Olympic Stadium on Friday (Jun 12). Defender Umut Meras and forward Kenan Karaman said the team would put on a better display in ...

Tennis-Fans rock Roland Garros for Nadal-Djokovic epic as curfew relaxed

PARIS: There might have been only 5,000 fans present on Court Philippe Chatrier due to COVID-19 restrictions but rarely has there been such an electrifying and raucous atmosphere at Roland Garros as Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal in what will go down as one of the most memorable matches ...

Cricket-De Kock's unbeaten ton puts S.Africa on top in first Windies test

REUTERS: South Africa's Quinton de Kock rediscovered his batting form with a career best 141 not out as the tourists seized control of the first test against a wilting West Indies at the close of play on day two in Saint Lucia on Friday. The home side reached 82 for four in their second ...

Football: Revamped Italy show they can shine at Euro 2020

ROME: Italy will face stronger opposition than Turkey at Euro 2020 but a commanding 3-0 win in the tournament's opening match in front of their own fans on Friday suggests the Azzurri have all the ingredients to go far. The outcome was fitting reward for Roberto Mancini's side who stretched their ...

Soccer-Sterling and Henderson set for MBEs in Queen's birthday honours list

REUTERS: England footballers Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson will receive the MBE as part of Queen Elizabeth's birthday honours list announced on Friday. Manchester City forward Sterling, 26, is being recognised for his campaigning against racism and setting up a foundation for deprived ...

Tennis: Djokovic topples Nadal in French Open semi-final classic

PARIS -Novak Djokovic came from a set down in a spellbinding French Open semi-final to inflict only a third ever defeat on the Parisian clay for Rafa Nadal, moving through 3-6 6-3 7-6(4) 6-2 in front of raucous crowd on Friday. Nadal, bidding for a record-extending 14th French Open title, won the ...

Football: Italy open Euro 2020 with 3-0 win over Turkey

ROME: Italy kicked off the European Championship with a convincing 3-0 victory over Turkey in Group A at the Olympic Stadium on Friday (Jun 11) with Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne on target. Roberto Mancini's side had been frustrated by Turkey's defensive approach in the first half but broke ...

Football: De Bruyne ruled out of Belgium's Euro 2020 opener against Russia

Kevin De Bruyne will miss Belgium's first game of Euro 2020 against Russia in Saint Petersburg on Saturday as he continues his recovery from the facial fractures he suffered in the Champions League final.

Basketball: Shoulder op to sideline Raptors' Siakam for five months

Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam will miss five months after shoulder surgery, the team said Friday, making it likely he'll miss the start of the next NBA season.


Rugby-Saracens near Premiership return with 60-0 win in playoff first leg

REUTERS: Former Premiership champions Saracens crushed Ealing Trailfinders 60-0 in the first leg of the second tier Championship playoff final on Sunday to put one foot back in the top flight. Saracens, four-times Premiership champions and three-times European Cup winners in the last five ...

Football: Luis Enrique urges all Spain players to be leaders against Sweden

Spain coach Luis Enrique believes his young side do not need lionheart figures for inspiration and said their strength is in their group mentality as they prepare to kick off their Euro 2020 campaign against Sweden on Monday.

Football: Evergreen Pandev scores North Macedonia’s first major tournament goal

Goran Pandev scored North Macedonia’s first major tournament goal in their opening Euro 2020 game against Austria on Sunday (Jun 13), becoming the second-oldest scorer in European Championship history.

Tennis: Djokovic beats Tsitsipas to win French Open title

Novak Djokovic fought back from two sets down to beat Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-7(6) 2-6 6-3 6-2 6-4 to win the French Open title for the second time on Sunday (Jun 13).

Caldwell wins maiden European Tour title at Scandinavian Mixed event

REUTERS: Northern Irishman Jonathan Caldwell clinched a one-shot victory at the death on Sunday to lift the Scandinavian Mixed event trophy in Gothenburg, his maiden title on the European Tour. Caldwell, 37, was three shots off the lead before the final round and he carded an impressive 64 ...

Football: Phillips the biggest plus as England get the job done

LONDON: England did enough to beat a disappointing Croatia team in their opening Euro 2020 game on Sunday with the biggest plus being the performance of central midfielder Kalvin Phillips. The three points put England in a strong position in Group D ahead of Friday's match against Scotland, also ...

Cycling: Pogacar warms up for Tour de France with home victory

Tadej Pogacar warmed up for the defence of his Tour de France title by winning the Tour of Slovenia on Sunday as German Phil Bauhaus won the fifth and final stage into Novo Mesto.

Arnautovic on the bench for Austria, Pandev leads North Macedonia

BUCHAREST: Austria coach Franco Foda left striker Marko Arnautovic on the bench for their Euro 2020 Group C opener against North Macedonia on Sunday, with the forward having missed some of their pre-tournament preparation through injury. Sasa Kalajdzic will be their lone forward as the ...

Football: Sterling gives England opening win over Croatia

LONDON: Raheem Sterling finally found his tournament touch when his goal gave England a deserved 1-0 win over Croatia at Wembley on Sunday as they began a European Championship with a victory for the first time in nine attempts. Sterling, something of a surprise starter after a flat end to the ...

Football: Czechs eager to snap decade-long winless run against Scotland

The Czech Republic will be eager to end a winless run stretching back to 2011 against Scotland when they take on Steve Clarke's side in their Euro 2020 opener on Monday, coach Jaroslav Silhavy said.

G7 nations say they support Japan 2020 Olympics

CARBIS BAY, England: The Group of Seven wealthy nations said they supported the holding of the Tokyo Olympics this year, a communique issued on Sunday after a leaders' summit in Cornwall. "We reiterate our support for the holding of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 in a safe and ...

Football: Cheers drown out boos as England take the knee at Wembley

Cheers and applause quickly drowned out some boos as England players kneeled on Sunday in an anti-racism gesture at kick-off against Croatia in their Euro 2020 opener at Wembley.

Tennis-French Open organisers defend Osaka handling, say 'can do better' on mental health

PARIS: French Open organisers defended their handling of the Naomi Osaka situation on Sunday but accepted that the governing bodies need to do better on mental health issues following the Japanese player's exit from the Grand Slam over her media boycott. Osaka announced in the build-up to the ...

Soccer-Swedes pay tribute to Eriksen ahead of Spain clash

SEVILLE, Spain: Sweden captain Sebastian Larsson has sent his team's best wishes to Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen following his collapse during the match against Finland in their Euro 2020 opener in Copenhagen on Saturday. Sweden had just arrived in Seville for their first group game ...

Tennis: French Open organisers defend Osaka handling, say 'can do better' on mental health

PARIS: French Open organisers defended their handling of the Naomi Osaka situation on Sunday (Jun 13) but accepted that the governing bodies need to do better on mental health issues following the Japanese player's exit from the Grand Slam over her media boycott. Osaka announced in the build-up to ...

Soccer-Czech Republic decide not to take a knee at Euros

REUTERS: The Czech Republic team will not take a knee as an anti-racism gesture before the kick-off of their European Championship matches, they said on Sunday. Instead, the team will gesture to the 'UEFA Respect' inscription on the left sleeve of their jerseys, as they did during their World ...

Soccer-Former internationals criticise UEFA after Eriksen's collapse

COPENHAGEN: Former Danish internationals Peter Schmeichel and Michael Laudrup have harshly criticised governing body UEFA over their handling of the collapse of Christian Eriksen during Denmark's Euro 2020 opener against Finland on Saturday. Eriksen collapsed just before halftime and was taken ...

Soccer-England leave out Rashford for opener with Croatia

LONDON: England manager Gareth Southgate left striker Marcus Rashford on the bench for his team's Group D opener against Croatia at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. Rashford's Manchester United team mate Luke Shaw was also omitted, with Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker named as the two full-backs ...

Football: Fabrice Muamba, who collapsed with cardiac arrest in 2012, reflects on Eriksen situation

Fabrice Muamba has spoken about how watching Christian Eriksen receive life-saving treatment at Euro 2020 brought back emotional memories of his own cardiac arrest as a doctor warned the Dane was unlikely to play again.

Cricket-New Zealand thump England in second test to win series 1-0

BIRMINGHAM, England: New Zealand crushed hosts England by eight wickets in the second and final test on Sunday to seal a 1-0 series victory after chasing down a target of 38 runs on the fourth day at Edgbaston. The result meant New Zealand, who thoroughly outplayed the hosts in the match ...

Athletics-After remarkable recovery, Bromell keeps the faith at US Olympic trials

REUTERS: Nearly five years since he was carted off the track at the Rio Games with a torn Achilles, Trayvon Bromell attributes his remarkable comeback to one thing: An act of God. The devoutly religious sprinter has endured a litany of injuries on and off the track in his 25 years: breaking ...

Soccer-Portugal's Cancelo out of Euros due to COVID, replaced by Dalot

Portugal defender Joao Cancelo has been ruled out of Euro 2020 after testing positive for COVID-19 and will be replaced by Diogo Dalot ahead of their tournament opener against Hungary on Tuesday, the European champions said on Sunday.

Swimming: Australia's McKeown smashes women's 100m backstroke world record

Teenager Kaylee McKeown smashed the women's 100m backstroke world record Sunday, touching in 57.45sec at the Australian Olympic trials in Adelaide, dedicating it to her father who died last year.

Football: Eriksen 'stable' after Euro 2020 collapse, says Danish FA

Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen remained in hospital but is in a "stable" condition after collapsing in his country's Euro 2020 game against Finland on Saturday, the Danish Football Union (DBU) said on Sunday.

Soccer-Belgium’s Castagne to undergo surgery on fractured eye socket

BRUSSELS: Belgium’s Timothy Castagne needs to have surgery on a double fracture of his eye socket and will play no further part in the European Championship, the Belgian football association said on Sunday. The defender suffered the injury during a heavy mid-air collision with Daler Kuzyaev in ...

Soccer-Eriksen had cardiac arrest but test results are normal, Danish team doctor says

COPENHAGEN: Denmark's Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest when he collapsed during his side's Euro 2020 opening match against Finland, his team's doctor confirmed on Sunday, but the reason remained unclear. "He was gone; we did cardiac resuscitation, it was a cardiac arrest. We got him ...

Soccer-Pukki says Denmark game among most difficult of career after Eriksen scare

REUTERS: Finland striker Teemu Pukki said their Euro 2020 opener against Denmark on Saturday was one of the most difficult games of his career after Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed and required emergency medical treatment on the pitch. Inter Milan playmaker Eriksen collapsed ...

Soccer-Son shows Eriksen support as South Korea secure top spot

HONG KONG: Son Heung-min sent a message of support to his former Tottenham Hotspur teammate Christian Eriksen after scoring the goal that guaranteed South Korea top spot in their qualifying group for the 2022 World Cup with a 2-1 win over Lebanon on Sunday. Son scored from the penalty spot in ...

Cricket-Brathwaite hails Seales in wake of South Africa defeat

REUTERS: West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite had very few positives to draw on from a heavy innings defeat in the first test against South Africa in St Lucia but singled out teenage fast bowler Jayden Seales for special praise. The 19-year-old had played only one first-class match before the ...

Biden reaffirms support for Tokyo Olympics to Japan's Suga

US President Joe Biden reaffirmed his support for the Tokyo Olympics at a meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Saturday (Jun 12), highlighting the necessity of imposing public health measures ensuring the safety of those involved. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, which were ...

Triathlon-Denmark's Pedersen cruises to victory in Huatulco

REUTERS: Denmark's Alberte Kjaer Pedersen produced a superb display on Saturday to secure her maiden World Triathlon Cup gold medal in Huatulco, Mexico, in the final event for women during the Olympic qualifying period. Pedersen clocked an overall time of 1:00:24 to finish ahead of American ...

Soccer-Uruguay's Abreu retires after representing 31 clubs

Former Uruguay international striker Sebastian Abreu has retired from the game at the age of 44, having represented 31 different clubs since making his senior debut in 1994-95.

Rugby-Timani returns from exile to Australia squad for France test series

SYDNEY: Lock Sitaleki Timani returned to the Wallabies set-up after eight years in self-imposed exile as Australia coach Dave Rennie named a bumper 38-man squad for next month's three-test series against France on Sunday. Rennie named 11 uncapped players in his squad, which was enlarged to ...

Soccer-Levy says he will do what is right for Spurs amid Kane speculation

REUTERS: Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy said he shares the frustration of Harry Kane over their lack of titles but will do what is right for the club in the transfer market, amid media speculation that the talismanic striker wants to leave. British media have reported that Kane, who ...

Football: Eriksen's former cardiologist says he had no history of heart concerns

Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen, who was hospitalised after collapsing during his side's Euro 2020 opener against Finland on Saturday, had no prior heart issues during his time with Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, his former cardiologist said.

Soccer-English FA implore fans not to boo players who 'take a knee'

REUTERS: The Football Association have issued a statement asking England fans to respect the right of players to "take a knee" as a protest against racial injustice, and not boo them before matches at the European Championship. England players were booed by some fans before two recent ...

‘I owe everything to my mum and dad’: A Singaporean fencer makes history and keeps an Olympics promise

In the first of a series of profiles of TeamSG competitors who have qualified for next month's Olympic Games, CNA speaks to a fencer who made history for Singapore at the age of 20.

Analysis: Top-ranked Belgium show their potential with classy display

ST PETERSBURG, Russia: Being top of the FIFA world rankings meant Belgium were always going to be among the European Championship favourites but Saturday’s comfortable 3-0 win over Russia sent out a strong reminder of their potential. Although it was not an overwhelming performance, it ...

Soccer-Denmark's Eriksen had cardiac massage on pitch, was able to speak before going to hospital -team doctor

COPENHAGEN: Denmark's Christian Eriksen received life-saving cardiac massage treatment on the pitch after collapsing on Saturday in his side's Euro 2020 opening match with Finland but was able to speak before being taken to hospital, team doctor Morten Boesen said. Eriksen was surrounded by ...

Football: Belgium beat Russia in comfortable start to Euro 2020

Belgium eased to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Russia on Saturday with two goals from Romelu Lukaku and one from Thomas Meunier to confirm their status among the European Championship favourites.

Football: Fans told to 'respect' England players over kneeling row

The Football Association urged fans to "respect the wishes" of England's players when they take the knee before Sunday's Euro 2020 clash with Croatia amid a simmering row over the gesture.

Analysis-Soccer-Denmark can hold heads high despite Finland defeat

COPENHAGEN: In any other circumstances, Finland’s 1-0 victory over Denmark in their first major tournament appearance would have been an underdog story to treasure and celebrate. But after Denmark's Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch as halftime approached on Saturday, it was the Danish ...

Football: Finland snatch Euro win over Denmark after Eriksen collapse drama

Finland beat Denmark 1-0 in their opening match of Euro 2020 which was overshadowed by Christian Eriksen collapsing and having to be revived on the field by medics.

Soccer-Debutants Finland beat Denmark but game overshadowed by Eriksen collapse

COPENHAGEN -Finland claimed a shock 1-0 Euro 2020 victory over Denmark in their first major tournament appearance on Saturday after the match had been suspended when Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen required emergency medical treatment on the pitch. The 29-year-old midfielder Eriksen collapsed ...

Cricket-England batting collapse leaves New Zealand in driving seat in second test

England lost nine wickets in their second innings on day three in a dramatic batting collapse to put New Zealand on the verge of victory in the second and final test at Edgbaston on Saturday.

Football: Spurs chairman Levy warns Kane over exit talk

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has warned Harry Kane he will put the club's interests first as the England striker attempts to force a move away from the Premier League club.

Tennis-France's Mahut and Herbert clinch another French Open doubles title

REUTERS: Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut became the first French pair to win their home Grand Slam twice when they defeated Kazakhs Alexander Bublik and Andrey Golubev 4-6 7-6(1) 6-4 in the men's doubles final at Roland Garros on Saturday. Herbert and Mahut, who have won all four ...

Reactions to collapse of Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen

REUTERS: Quotes on Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen, who is in stable condition in hospital after collapsing on the pitch during his team's European Championship match against Finland on Saturday. "Christian Eriksen is awake and his condition is stable. The thoughts of Finland's men's ...

Denmark v Finland to resume after Eriksen collapse: Danish FA

COPENHAGEN: The Euro 2020 match between Denmark and Finland will resume at 1830 GMT (2.30am Singapore time), the Danish Football Union said on Saturday (Jun 12). The match was suspended after Christian Eriksen collapsed towards the end of the first half and had to receive medical treatment on the ...

Tennis-My body said 'No', says French Open runner-up Pavlyuchenkova

PARIS: Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova came close to claiming a maiden Grand Slam title in her 52nd appearance in the main draw of a major, but after Saturday's French Open final she said she was ultimately betrayed by her own body. She had her left leg wrapped in tape in the second set, and the ...

Cricket-S.Africa seal innings win as Rabada rips through Windies

South Africa's fast bowler Kagiso Rabada took five wickets as they cruised to victory over West Indies by an innings and 63 runs before lunch on day three of the first test in Saint Lucia on Saturday.

Football: Ukraine approach Euro opener versus Dutch with respect, says manager

ST PETERSBURG, Russia: Ukraine manager Andriy Shevchenko said on Saturday (Jun 12) his team would try to strike the right balance between attack and defence in their opening Euro 2020 match against a dynamic Netherlands side whose talent needed to be respected. "They show good results on the ...

Soccer-Denmark's Eriksen given CPR during Euro 2020 match

Copenhagen: Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed while playing and was given CPR by medics during his side's Euro 2020 soccer match with Finland on Saturday, and the game has been suspended. A Reuters photographer at the game saw Eriksen raise his hand as he was carried from the ...

Football: Denmark's Christian Eriksen 'awake' in hospital after collapse in Euro 2020 game

COPENHAGEN: Denmark star Christian Eriksen was awake in hospital, the Danish Football Union said on Saturday, after he collapsed on the pitch during the Euro 2020 game against Finland in Copenhagen. "Christian Eriksen is awake and is undergoing further tests" at the hospital, the Danish federation ...

Soccer-Reaching every final a tall order for Croatia, says Modric

LONDON: Croatia punched above their weight to finish as the 2018 World Cup runners-up and should not be expected to go all the way in every tournament, captain Luka Modric said ahead of their Euro 2020 Group D opener against England on Sunday. The Croatians sent shockwaves around the world ...

Football: Wales boss Page praises gritty team as he eyes Turkey win

Manager Rob Page praised the character of his players after Wales salvaged a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in their European Championship opener in Baku on Saturday, leaving Group A wide open after the first round of matches.

Football: England home games 'unfair' says Croatia's Modric

Croatia captain Luka Modric claims England have been given an unfair advantage in Euro 2020 after all three of their group games were scheduled for Wembley.

Euros format gives Welsh and Swiss comfort despite draw

BAKU: Switzerland's 1-1 draw with Wales in their Group A game in Baku on Saturday highlighted once again the weakness in UEFA's 24-team format for the European Championship. Both teams left the field after a disappointing spectacle relatively content with the point gained - although the Welsh ...

Football: Wijnaldum relieved to seal PSG move in time for start of Euro 2020

Georginio Wijnaldum says he opted to sign for Paris Saint-Germain instead of Barcelona because the French club were quicker to make their move with the midfielder eager to sort out his future before starting Euro 2020 with the Netherlands.

Copa America: 12 Covid cases among Venezuela players, staff

Twelve people from the Venezuelan national football team, including players and staff, have tested positive for Covid-19, officials said Saturday, a day before they play the opening match of the Copa America against hosts Brazil.

Tennis: Krejcikova wins French Open, dedicates victory to Novotna

Barbora Krejcikova won her maiden Grand Slam singles title at the French Open on Saturday, beating Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to become the first Czech woman in 40 years to conquer Roland Garros.

Football: Moore grabs point for Wales in Euro 2020 opener with Switzerland

A header from towering Kieffer Moore claimed a point for Wales in a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in Baku on Saturday to start both teams' Euro 2020 campaigns.

Tennis-Unseeded Krejcikova wins maiden Grand Slam title in Paris

PARIS :Unseeded Czech Barbora Krejcikova completed a remarkable transition from a doubles specialist to a Grand Slam singles champion on Saturday by conquering Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the final of the French Open.

Soccer-Moore snatches point for Wales against wasteful Swiss

Striker Kieffer Moore scored a headed equaliser from a rare chance as surprise 2016 semi-finalists Wales snatched a 1-1 draw against wasteful Switzerland in their European Championship Group A clash at the Baku Olympic Stadium on Saturday.

Tennis: After toppling Nadal, Djokovic hopes to be ready for Tsitsipas

After dethroning 'king of clay' Rafa Nadal at the French Open, Novak Djokovic will next face a first-time Grand Slam finalist in Stefanos Tsitsipas as the world number one bids to become the first man in the open era to win all four majors at least twice.

Football: Moyes rewarded with new three-year contract at West Ham

West Ham United manager David Moyes has signed a new three-year contract after guiding the London side to a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League, the club announced on Saturday.

Soccer-Gilmour could be Scotland's secret weapon against Czechs

LONDON: Scotland manager Steve Clarke said he had "selection headaches all over the pitch" ahead of their Euro 2020 opener against Czech Republic on Monday and one player likely to be uppermost in his thoughts is 20-year-old Billy Gilmour. Clarke has led his team to their first major ...

Perfect start for Mancini's Italy in Euro 2020 quest

ROME: Italy capped a perfect night in the Stadio Olimpico with a Euro 2020 opening win over Turkey but coach Roberto Mancini warned that the road was long between Rome and Wembley. A 28-match unbeaten run has put Mancini two games short of Italy's two-time world Cup winning coach Vittorio Pozzo's ...

Soccer-Poland set out to break opening-match curse at Euros against Slovaks

ST PETERSBURG: Poland will be hoping to improve on their poor record in opening matches at major tournaments when they take on minnows Slovakia in St. Petersburg on Monday, with a win crucial for both sides ahead of their matches against group favourites Spain. Slovakia defender Milan Skriniar ...

Football: 'Excited' Moyes signs new contract with West Ham

David Moyes has been rewarded for guiding West Ham to sixth place in the Premier League with a new three year contract and says he is "really excited by the ambition" at the club.

Olympics: Reigning 400m champion Horton misses Australia team for Tokyo

ADELAIDE: Reigning Olympic champion Mack Horton was the major casualty on day one of the Australian Olympic team swimming trials as he fell just short of qualifying in a scintillating 400 metres freestyle final. Horton, who is widely known also for his strong anti-doping stance, was edged out on a ...

Soccer-Ramsey starts for Wales, Shaqiri, Embolo add speed for Swiss

REUTERS: Following are the teams for the European Championship Group B match between Wales and Switzerland in Baku on Saturday. Gareth Bale, Wales' all-time leading goal scorer with 33 from 92 games, is captaining the team in their tournament opener and looking to end an 11-match goalless run ...

Soccer-Mancini's calls pay off as 'perfect' Italy make Euro 2020 statement

ROME: Roberto Mancini might be laughing now, but the Italy coach will not find it so easy to play down his team’s chances of winning Euro 2020 if they continue like they started. The Azzurri put in a dominant, swashbuckling display as they flattened Turkey 3-0 in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on ...

Olympics-Goalkeeper Bardsley pulls out of Team GB women's squad due to injury

REUTERS: England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley has withdrawn from Britain's women's soccer squad for the Tokyo Olympics due to an injury she picked up last month, Team GB said on Saturday. Bardsley was among the two goalkeepers named in coach Hege Riise's 18-member squad for the Tokyo Games. The ...

Cricket-ECB to review players' social media after Robinson's racist, sexist posts

REUTERS: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will review players' social media to address past issues and remind them of their responsibilities, the board said on Saturday, after Ollie Robinson's old sexist and racist tweets came to light last week. The ECB suspended fast bowler Robinson ...

Tennis: French Open title beckons for late bloomers Pavlyuchenkova, Krejcikova

PARIS: Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Barbora Krejcikova, two of the most unlikely Grand Slam finalists of the modern era, meet in Saturday's (Jun 12) French Open title match at the conclusion of a shock-heavy tournament. World number 32 Pavlyuchenkova has reached this stage for the first time at ...

Olympics-Swimming Australia to set up all-female panel to address issues after Groves' complaint

REUTERS: Swimming Australia (SA) will set up an all-female independent panel to investigate issues related to the experience of women and girls in the sport following Madeline Groves' complaint of "misogynistic perverts", the governing body said on Saturday. Twice Olympic silver medallist ...

Rugby-Crusaders thrash Rebels but come up short of points target

SYDNEY: Winger Sevu Reece scored a hat-trick as the Canterbury Crusaders thrashed the Melbourne Rebels 52-26 on Saturday but the unbeaten New Zealanders still look like missing out on the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman final. The Super Rugby Aotearoa champions needed to earn a bonus point and beat ...

Soccer-England's performance at Euros can unite people: Southgate

REUTERS: England's performance at the European Championship can help in uniting the country, manager Gareth Southgate said ahead of Sunday's opening game against Croatia. England, semi-finalists at the 2018 World Cup, are deemed one of the favourites to win the European showpiece but their ...

Olympics-China's Su runs 100m in 9.98 seconds in Tokyo trials

REUTERS: Su Bingtian has confirmed his strong form by clocking 9.98 seconds to win the 100 metres at China's national athletics trials for the Tokyo Olympics in Shaoxing, local media reported. The 31-year-old, the first Asian-born athlete to go under 10 seconds in the blue-riband sprint, ran ...

Soccer-Italy's Chiellini, Bonucci have great charisma: Spinazzola

ROME: Italy left back Leonardo Spinazzola said he benefited from the "charismatic" presence of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci in central defence as the Azzuri stormed to a commanding 3-0 win over Turkey in Friday's European Championship opener. After a goalless first half, a Merih ...

'Life goes on, it's just tennis,' says Nadal after French Open reign ends

PARIS: Rafael Nadal shrugged off his epic loss to Novak Djokovic at the French Open insisting "life goes on" as the 13-time champion suffered just his third ever defeat in 108 matches in Paris over 16 years. In their 58th career clash, world number one Djokovic triumphed 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 ...

Tennis: I'll remember this forever, says Djokovic after toppling Nadal in Paris

PARIS: World number one Novak Djokovic said his win over Rafa Nadal in Friday's epic French Open semi-final was one of the top three matches he had played and he would remember it forever. The 34-year-old Serb lost the opening five games but hit back in magnificent fashion to win 3-6 6-3 7-6(4) 6 ...

Golf-Koepka, in a US Open state of mind, misses Palmetto cut

REUTERS: Brooks Koepka may not have had the ideal tune-up for next week's U.S. Open but the four-times major champion said on Friday his missed cut at the Palmetto Championship at Congaree is more to do with a lack of focus than the state of his game. World number eight Koepka, in his first ...

Golf: Mickelson chases elusive US Open win as Bryson seeks repeat

Phil Mickelson will try to complete a career Grand Slam on his hometown course while long-driving Bryson DeChambeau defends his first major title in next week's US Open.

Football: Singapore lose 3-0 to Saudi Arabia in World Cup qualifier

SINGAPORE: Singapore fell to a third straight loss in its second round World Cup qualifying campaign on Saturday (Jun 12) with a 3-0 defeat by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. With this defeat, Singapore have conceded 12 goals in three matches in Group D since the resumption of its joint qualification ...

Tennis-Nadal concedes best player won after losing to Djokovic in Paris

PARIS: Rafael Nadal was his usual gracious self despite suffering his first defeat at Roland Garros since 2015 as he went out to world number one Novak Djokovic in the the French Open semi-finals on Friday, saying his opponent had deserved his victory. It was only 13-time champion Nadal's ...

Football: Turkey's players, coach apologise for poor showing in Euro 2020 loss

ROME: Turkey's players and coach Senol Gunes apologised for a poor performance after the team were soundly beaten 3-0 by Italy in the opening game of Euro 2020 at the Olympic Stadium on Friday (Jun 12). Defender Umut Meras and forward Kenan Karaman said the team would put on a better display in ...

Tennis-Fans rock Roland Garros for Nadal-Djokovic epic as curfew relaxed

PARIS: There might have been only 5,000 fans present on Court Philippe Chatrier due to COVID-19 restrictions but rarely has there been such an electrifying and raucous atmosphere at Roland Garros as Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal in what will go down as one of the most memorable matches ...

Cricket-De Kock's unbeaten ton puts S.Africa on top in first Windies test

REUTERS: South Africa's Quinton de Kock rediscovered his batting form with a career best 141 not out as the tourists seized control of the first test against a wilting West Indies at the close of play on day two in Saint Lucia on Friday. The home side reached 82 for four in their second ...

Football: Revamped Italy show they can shine at Euro 2020

ROME: Italy will face stronger opposition than Turkey at Euro 2020 but a commanding 3-0 win in the tournament's opening match in front of their own fans on Friday suggests the Azzurri have all the ingredients to go far. The outcome was fitting reward for Roberto Mancini's side who stretched their ...

Soccer-Sterling and Henderson set for MBEs in Queen's birthday honours list

REUTERS: England footballers Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson will receive the MBE as part of Queen Elizabeth's birthday honours list announced on Friday. Manchester City forward Sterling, 26, is being recognised for his campaigning against racism and setting up a foundation for deprived ...

Tennis: Djokovic topples Nadal in French Open semi-final classic

PARIS -Novak Djokovic came from a set down in a spellbinding French Open semi-final to inflict only a third ever defeat on the Parisian clay for Rafa Nadal, moving through 3-6 6-3 7-6(4) 6-2 in front of raucous crowd on Friday. Nadal, bidding for a record-extending 14th French Open title, won the ...

Football: Italy open Euro 2020 with 3-0 win over Turkey

ROME: Italy kicked off the European Championship with a convincing 3-0 victory over Turkey in Group A at the Olympic Stadium on Friday (Jun 11) with Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne on target. Roberto Mancini's side had been frustrated by Turkey's defensive approach in the first half but broke ...

Football: De Bruyne ruled out of Belgium's Euro 2020 opener against Russia

Kevin De Bruyne will miss Belgium's first game of Euro 2020 against Russia in Saint Petersburg on Saturday as he continues his recovery from the facial fractures he suffered in the Champions League final.

Basketball: Shoulder op to sideline Raptors' Siakam for five months

Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam will miss five months after shoulder surgery, the team said Friday, making it likely he'll miss the start of the next NBA season.

Soccer-Euro 2020 starts with fireworks and balloons after year-long delay

The Euro 2020 soccer championship finally got underway on Friday after a year-long delay with a colourful fireworks show and choreography featuring balloons representing the 24 teams in Rome's sparsely populated Stadio Olimpico.

Tennis: 'Exhausted, proud' Tsitsipas first Greek to reach Grand Slam final

Stefanos Tsitsipas became the first Greek player to reach a Grand Slam final on Friday when he defeated Germany's Alexander Zverev in a bruising five-setter at the French Open, admitting the experience had left him exhausted but proud.

Soccer-Locatelli, Berardi start as Italy open Euro 2020 against Turkey

Italy picked Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli in their team to face Turkey in the opening game of Euro 2020 on Friday, as neither coach sprang any major surprises.

UK PM Johnson backs Tokyo Olympics, Japan wants more G7 support

CARBIS BAY, England: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday (Jun 11) gave the Tokyo Olympics a show of public support at a meeting with Japan's Yoshihide Suga and welcomed efforts to ensure the Games can take place safely. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, which were postponed last year due to ...